Share Everything

We left a question mark on that title because we’re not exactly sure if Verizon has meant to allow customers to keep unlimited data when upgrading or if there is simply a glitch in the system. But yes, at this time, a number of our readers (including us) have been able to walk-through the upgrade process on Verizon’s site and keep unlimited data while purchasing a phone at a subsidized (discounted) price. (more…)

What’s the number one worry around these parts when it comes to upgrading to a new phone? Keeping unlimited data on Verizon, of course. Over the last couple of years, we have seen wireless carriers realize how important data is to their bottom lines and future earnings potential, which has in turn allowed them to start charging you a premium for every single GB you consume. With that realization and price hike, we also saw the death of unlimited data and the introduction of tiered or shared data plans that offer you less for a steeper price. Yes, you are now getting screwed by most carriers. They are finding ways to take away your unlimited data, while offering up services and phones that beg you to consume more, so that they can continue to nickel and dime you. It’s a terrible situation for consumers, but since you have chosen a carrier more than likely because they offer you superior coverage in your area, you are stuck taking it.

Thankfully, there are a few ways for you to work the system to continue to enjoy that unlimited data that you locked into years ago. We have a couple that we’d like to go over to, so that as you approach contract end dates, you’ll know the proper steps to take to not give up your freedom. (more…)

Earlier this morning, we broke news on a new Verizon plan that will be introduced in the coming days called Verizon Max. At the time, we didn’t have all of the details ironed out, but after talking to sources of ours, think we know almost everything there is to know about a new tiered data plan aimed directly at unlimited customers. (more…)

Yesterday, a reader of ours pointed out a Tweet sent from the official Verizon Support Twitter account (@VZWSupport) that caught our eye as it related to those of us holding on to unlimited data. The Tweet mentioned to a customer that Verizon would soon be launching a promo for unlimited data users that included 6GB of data for only $30, and would also allow them to participate in Big Red’s new VZ Edge (early upgrade) program. We scrolled through hundreds of other Tweets from this account, but this was the only mention of such a deal. We even tried getting them to provide more info, yet they never responded. Sure enough this morning, the Tweet (which we have included below) has been removed from existence.

So what’s going on and what is this new promo? Well, we know a couple of things. (more…)

We’ve made it painfully obvious that we hate data caps, tiered data, and any thoughts of sharing that data with someone else. In fact, most of you hate all of that as well. The day that we first jumped onto 4G LTE was something we may never forget, but we’ll also never forget the day that Verizon and AT&T told us that we could no longer use that 4G LTE connection on an unlimited basis and that we were going to be limited and capped. We knew why they were pushing this new scheme, but that doesn’t mean we have to ever agree with it.

So the video we have included above talks all about caps and how horrible they are for the industry, for innovation, and for the world of technology as a whole. It’s a worthwhile watch, even if it is 11+ minutes long. The presenter talks about misinformation when it comes to data speeds and congestion, why cable companies may be the root of it all, and why spectrum is the real issue.

Today, Verizon became the “first carrier to offer shared data plans for business” after announcing that Share Everything for businesses will launch on January 24. These new shared data plans are being sold as a way to manage multiple employee accounts on a much simpler level. Rather than managing individual plans, your company can have one big bucket of data to pull from. (more…)

It has been a while since we asked the DL community which data bracket they fall under. A year ago, the world was set on doing whatever they had to do to keep unlimited data. But now that shared data plans and individual tiers have been around for a while, and a number of new devices have become available, are you willing to give up unlimited to get the latest and greatest on the cheap? Paying full retail prices for phones is not fun, especially when you can get the same phone for hundreds less, as long as you change your data plan. So, a year after the death of unlimited, what plan do you currently have?

Data usage is going to be a hot topic whether you want it to be or not. Now that carriers like Verizon and AT&T have created tiered and shared data plans, it’s obvious that they have realized what their next cash cow will be. Gone are the days of worrying about how many texts you sent or calls you made, in are the times when counting MBs and GBs are a daily task.

To get a good feel for the data landscape around these parts, we thought we would ask how much data you consumed last month. If you are on an individual plan, answer away. If you are on a shared plan, I’d love for you to share how much data your entire family consumed. And in case you were wondering where we got the poll options from, you can thank Verizon’s Share Everything plans for those. We built the poll around them.

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We consider ourselves to have the greatest Android community in the world, here at Droid Life. We talk general news, feature apps, review phones, and even teach you how to hack a little. But most importantly, there is no place on the internet that has the reader participation that we do and consider ourselves to be completely community driven. If you were looking for the best place to learn about Android and talk with like-minded folks about all things tech, then Droid Life is for you.